Average rural power supply hours in India rose from 12.5 a day in 2014 to 22.6 in 2025. Union Power Minister Manohar Lal shared these figures in the Lok Sabha on 5 February 2026. Meanwhile, urban areas now get 23.4 hours of power, up from 22.1 hours. He gave the reply to Starred Question No. 87 on progress in power generation. Hence, the gap between villages and cities has nearly closed.
Urban and Rural Supply Compared
In 2014, villages got power for barely half the day. Today, rural supply stands at 22.6 hours, a rise of over 10 hours. By contrast, urban supply rose more slowly, from 22.1 to 23.4 hours. So, rural consumers saw the biggest gain.
Capacity Additions Since 2014
India’s installed capacity reached 513.73 GW by 31 December 2025. Moreover, the country added 289.607 GW of new capacity since April 2014. Coal still leads with about 2,19,610 MW. However, solar has grown to about 1,35,810 MW. Also, nuclear capacity stands at 8,780 MW.
Schemes Behind Better Supply
Under DDUGJY, the government electrified 18,374 villages. Similarly, the SAUBHAGYA scheme electrified about 2.86 crore households. Both schemes closed on 31 March 2022. Next, the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) began in July 2021. It has sanctioned Rs 1.53 lakh crore for loss reduction and Rs 1.31 lakh crore for smart metering.
Falling Losses of Discoms
Aggregate Technical and Commercial (AT&C) losses fell from 21.91 per cent in FY21 to 15.04 per cent in FY25. As a result, discom finances improve, which supports longer hours of supply. Also, in February 2025, the ministry said the energy shortage fell from 4.2 per cent to 0.1 per cent.
Rural Power Supply Hours: Key Facts for Revision
- Rural supply: 12.5 hours (2014) to 22.6 hours (2025)
- Urban supply: 22.1 hours (2014) to 23.4 hours (2025)
- Source: Lok Sabha Starred Question No. 87, 5 February 2026
- Installed capacity: 513.73 GW (31 December 2025)
- SAUBHAGYA: About 2.86 crore households electrified
- DDUGJY: 18,374 villages electrified
- AT&C losses: 15.04 per cent in FY25
Why Rural Power Supply Hours Matter for UPSC and UKPSC
Notably, UPSC asks about electrification schemes and discom reforms in GS-III. So, remember the supply hours, the SAUBHAGYA coverage and the RDSS goals. Also, link reliable power with solar growth and rural livelihoods in hill states like Uttarakhand. For official updates, also visit the Ministry of Power. Next, for a related story, read about the PM Surya Sarovar Yojana.
So, are you preparing for the UKPSC Upper PCS 2026 prelims? Then join our UKPSC 2026 Prelims Test Series for regular practice.